“And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.”
This verse is a brief statement found within the larger narrative of Jacob’s journey. To better understand the significance of Genesis 35:15, let’s explore the context and themes surrounding this verse.
In Genesis 35, we find Jacob returning to Bethel with his entire household. Before this, Jacob had experienced a tumultuous journey, marked by deception, conflict, and a reunion with his brother Esau. In the midst of this journey, Jacob encounters God, who reaffirms His covenant with him and changes his name to Israel.
Genesis 35:9-12 sets the stage for verse 15:
“And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.”
Following this encounter, Jacob sets up a pillar and pours a drink offering and oil upon it, declaring the place where God spoke with him to be Bethel. The name “Bethel” means “house of God” in Hebrew, highlighting the significance of this location as a place of encounter with the divine.
This renaming of the place is a significant act, indicating that Jacob recognized the presence of God and desired to commemorate the encounter. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant God made with Jacob, reaffirming the promises made to Abraham and Isaac.
The naming of Bethel reflects Jacob’s deep reverence and gratitude for God’s guidance and blessings. It signifies the transformation that Jacob experienced, both in his name change to Israel and in his spiritual journey. This encounter and the subsequent naming of Bethel serve as a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, marking his renewed commitment to God and his people.
Overall, Genesis 35:15 underscores the importance of recognizing and commemorating our encounters with God. It teaches us the significance of setting aside special places and moments in our lives where we have experienced divine presence, guidance, and blessings. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and remembrance for God’s faithfulness, just as Jacob did at Bethel.
